The Skate Canada Challenge is set to take place from December 2 to 6 ©Getty Images

A new format is set to be drawn up for the Skate Canada Challenge to allow athletes to compete in a "safe manner" as they aim to book their place in next year’s Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.

The event was scheduled to take place at the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre in Edmonton in Canada from November 23 to 29.

But Skate Canada say "growing uncertainty surrounding the [COVID-19] pandemic" has led them to "cancel the in-person" version of the competition.

Haley Sales and Nikolas Wamsteeker were crowned senior dance champions at last year's Skate Canada Challenge ©Getty Images
Haley Sales and Nikolas Wamsteeker were crowned senior dance champions at last year's Skate Canada Challenge ©Getty Images

The Skate Canada Challenge is now set to take place from December 2 to 6 to allow additional time for planning an altered format.

Skate Canada say it is "in the process of determining how the competition is best staged to allow skaters to participate from their home regions" and claim more information on the new format will be made available "in the coming weeks".

The event is the qualifier for novice, junior and senior categories for the Canadian Tire National Championships which is expected to be held in Vancouver from January 11 to 17 2021.

Debra Armstrong, chief executive of Skate Canada, said: "The global pandemic has put forth challenges for us all, and our priority is to support the development and goals of our skaters in a safe manner."